(Left to Right: UDMD Board Member Dr. Michael Doubler, Russell Moore, UDMD Executive Director Ben Wilson, UDMD Board of Directors President Gloria Christy)
The International Bluegrass Music Association’s most awarded Male Vocalist, Russell Moore, was announced as this year’s recipient of the Uncle Dave Macon Days Heritage Award during a press conference held last week in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
The Uncle Dave Macon Days (UDMD) Heritage Award recognizes and honors individuals who have dedicated their careers and life to perpetuating, preserving, and promoting old-time music and dance. UDMD’s Executive Director, Ben Wilson, announced Moore will join an elite group of musicians that includes Roy Acuff, John Hartford, Bill Monroe, Kitty Wells, and Ralph Stanley. Wilson stated, “I’ve had a great opportunity to work with Russell over the last few years and am proud to call him a friend. He and IIIrd Tyme Out are considered one of the most influential bands in bluegrass and have just celebrated their 25th anniversary. We are thrilled to have Russell as our Heritage Award winner.” Moore, who attended the press conference, made a short speech and was visibly humbled by the accolade. “Getting to do what you love to do for a living is a blessing and I am so thankful for that,” stated Moore. “People who know me well, know that I’m not one to toot my own horn or pat myself on the back, so I’m going to leave it up to other people to qualify me being the recipient of this prestigious award. I’m really honored to be receiving the Heritage Award, albeit a gentle reminder that I’m not 20 years old anymore,” joked Moore.
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out will headline the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival on Saturday, July 8th with a full performance and the Heritage Award ceremony. The 2-day event begins on July 7th and will also include performances by The Grascals, Lonesome River Band, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, and many others. For more information on Uncle Dave Macon Days, please visit www.uncledavemacondays.com and for more information on Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, please visit www.IIIrdTymeOut.com.